Die Häschenschule – Jagd nach dem Goldenen Ei

Hidden in a forest and surrounded by an insurmountable hedge lies the fabled Easter Bunny school, an idyllic place. A class of young bunnies is preparing for Easter, studiously hopping about and painting Easter eggs when a sprightly bunny from the city suddenly crashes into their school with his plane. The newcomer’s name is Max. He cannot return to the distant city because his plane is broken, which means Max also has to attend the Easter Bunny school. This does not bode well with the bunny from the city, who would rather be testing his courage with a street gang in the city. The bunny school is too old-fashioned for him, too strict and regulated. Instead of carrot juice and a bath in the pond every morning he would rather have a cola and deodorant. Max believes he is too cool to become an Easter Bunny. Nevertheless, the other bunnies receive Max whole-heartedly in their group. Although they have to bail him out repeatedly, they eventually become friends. But the cheerful atmosphere is threatened as a band of foxes lies in wait, aiming to steal the golden egg. This egg protects the bunnies at Easter and gives them courage. If it is stolen, they lose their power as Easter bunnies and all festivities are cancelled. In order to save the Easter celebration, the bunnies all have to stick together. “Die Häschenschule” has already delighted over 2 million readers as a book since 1924. As an animation film, the story celebrated its world premiere at the Berlinale in 2017 and was nominated for an award. Director Ute von Münchow-Pohl puts complex subjects playfully into practise: for example, trust and solidarity or freedom and rules. Even though the new interpretation of the story and action-packed scenes lend the tale a modern touch, the film in 3D- animation remains faithful to the picture book, while creating its own unique suspense between modernity and tradition. (sh)